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It was National Vitamin C Day on 4th April. It's got its own day to celebrate its wonderfulness due to its ability to combat free radicals, boost collagen synthesis, and support skin health.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for the skin?
Vitamin C stands out as a powerful antioxidant with collagen synthesis promotion aiding skin repair, prevention of water loss enhancing skin hydration, and its role in firming, brightening, and correcting skin damage. Since the human body can't produce vitamin C, it's essential to obtain it from dietary sources, with its water-soluble nature necessitating consistent topical application for skin benefits.
How does vitamin C function in skincare?
As an antioxidant, vitamin C neutralises free radicals generated by environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. These free radicals can harm DNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to skin issues like wrinkles and uneven tone. Vitamin C application assists the skin in managing oxidative stress by supporting collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation.
What are the various vitamin C forms?
Ascorbic acid is the most potent but unstable form requiring lower pH levels, making it potentially irritating. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate brightens but lacks antioxidant potency, while sodium ascorbyl phosphate offers stability and skin-friendliness. Ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside are effective antioxidants with varying collagen-boosting abilities, while ascorbyl palmitate's limited brightening and anti-wrinkle efficacy make it less popular. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble form, penetrates the skin more effectively.
How frequently should vitamin C be used on the skin?
Experts recommend daily vitamin C application, avoiding combinations with benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs, or retinol due to potential irritation. High-concentration vitamin C formulas require caution with acids and exfoliants, ideally applied directly to clean skin followed by moisturiser.
How does stability impact vitamin C efficacy?
The stability of vitamin C formulations determines their efficacy and shelf life. Traditional forms like ascorbic acid are prone to oxidation, reducing formula efficacy. Encapsulation and oil-soluble forms ensure better stability and delivery to target skin sites, enhancing effectiveness.
Who would benefit from Vitamin C skincare?
Vitamin C in skincare can benefit a wide range of individuals, including those concerned about ageing, people with uneven skin tone, individuals with dull skin, those with sun-damaged skin, people with dry or dehydrated skin, individuals with sensitive skin, and anyone looking to prevent skin damage. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens the skin, reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improves skin hydration, and protects against free radicals and environmental stressors like pollution and sun exposure.
